Arizona native Aaron Matthews played in Major League Rugby between 2021-2024. He represented the Seattle Seawolves (2021) and the NOLA Gold (2022-2024).

A product of St. Mary’s College, Matthews was one of MLR’s first ever draft picks. He was selected 5th overall by the Seattle Seawolves in the inaugural MLR Collegiate Draft in 2020. Matthews earned a career high 11 MLR appearances in his rookie season, starting 5 times and scoring his first MLR try.

Following a year with Seattle, Matthews was traded from the Seawolves to the the NOLA Gold on 26th October 2021 along with Dev Ferris and Salary Cap Considerations in exchange for a 2022 International Spot and NOLA’s 2nd Rd pick in 2022 (Sam Wegert). Matthews played in New Orleans for 2 seasons including a strong 2023 campaign where he started 6 of his 9 games, scoring 2 tries and setting career highs in both metres gained (449) and tackles made (49). This took his career metres gained over 1000m (1021m).

Achievements

• MLR Draftee: 2020 – 1st Round (5th Overall) – Seattle Seawolves